USEFUL INFO WHEN TRAVELING TO ITALY
VISAS A passport or other identification document recognized by international agreements is required. EU citizens can enter with a national ID card. No visa is required for nationals of the USA and EU member states. For details, check with the Italian Embassy or Consulate in your country, or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: www.esteri.it
GSM OPERATORS The main mobile operators in Italy are TIM (+39 3xx), Vodafone (+39 3xx), WindTre (+39 3xx), and Iliad (+39 3xx). Contact your local operator to check roaming availability and costs.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Country code: (+/00) 39 | Area code (Rome): 06 | Area code (Milan): 02 | Police (Carabinieri): 112 | Police (Polizia di Stato): 113 | Fire brigade: 115 | Medical emergency: 118 | Roadside assistance (ACI): 116 | General information: 1254
OPENING HOURS Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. Post offices open Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday until 12:30 p.m. Shops typically open 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., though many larger stores and supermarkets have continuous hours.
CURRENCY & EXCHANGE The currency is the Euro (€), divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, post offices, and exchange offices. ATMs (Bancomat) are widely available throughout the country.
CREDIT CARDS All major credit cards are widely accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Diners Club. However, some smaller shops, restaurants, and rural establishments may prefer cash.
TAX FREE Non-EU visitors can claim a VAT refund on purchases over €154.95 made in participating stores. Ask the retailer to complete a Tax Free form at the time of purchase. Refunds can be processed at airports and border crossings.
ELECTRICITY 230 V, 50 Hz. Plug types L (three-pin) and F (two-pin) are standard.
TIME ZONE Central European Time (CET), UTC+1. Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC+2 in summer.
TELEPHONE Public payphones are rare but can still be found in some cities. Phone cards are available at tobacconists (tabacchi) and post offices.
SMOKING POLICY Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport.
WATER Tap water is safe to drink throughout Italy. Public drinking fountains (nasoni) are common in cities.
CUSTOMS Italian Customs Agency (Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli): www.adm.gov.it